Child Tax Credit: Mariana Islands Families Receive First Claims Under the American Rescue Plan

Eligible taxpayers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have received the first rollout of the child tax credit payments under the American Rescue Plan.

Tracy Norita, the Division of Revenue and Taxation director, confirmed that the first disbursements were done on Friday, September 3, with over $882,000 payments going to direct deposits in their nominated bank accounts or via check payments through regular mail.

The CNMI child tax credit portal was launched on August 27 and immediately had over 2,500 taxpayers registered. Norita, however, said that families may still make their claims by signing up the portal or updating their AdvCTC forms.

As with eligible taxpayers in the U.S., monthly payments of the child tax credit claims run up to $250 to $300, depending on the beneficiary's age. The advance payment will also be rolled out until December 2021.

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Enrolling Through the Portal

Eligible taxpayers should create an account at the CNMI child tax credit portal to claim child tax credit payments. The taxpayer will need to input important details like name, address, Social Security number, and their most recent tax return. The taxpayer will also need to provide the birthdates of the children who are still qualified as beneficiaries, which must be 17 years old and below before January 1, 2022.

However, some taxpayers in the Marianas Islands who might not want to sign up for an account at the portal can still make claims by submitting an AdvCTC form. This is available at the state's Department of Finance, or they may phone the Division of Revenue and Taxation at 664-1000 for inquiries.

Taxpayers who prefer not to receive the monthly rollout and instead claim their child tax credit benefit in full by April 2022 may unenroll through the portal or the DOF. Married taxpayers who file jointly are expected to submit separate un-enrollment forms. Otherwise, the unenrolled account will continue to get half of the benefits.

The Mariana Islands DOF has prepared an FAQ page about the CNMI child tax credit payments. Norita, however, reminded taxpayers to verify the details they've provided in the portal or forms to avoid missed payments.

"If you're expecting a direct deposit and you did not see it, you might be getting a check in the mail if you input invalid information," she said.

Child Tax Credit Updates in the U.S.

Meanwhile, U.S. residents who continue to have problems with their child tax credit payments despite updating their details on the portal may phone the IRS at 800-829-1040 for their issues. Before making the call, parents should prepare the following information: Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, birthday, and filing status with the IRS. These data could be asked during the verification process.

Individuals who want to make a face-to-face appointment with an IRS agent may schedule online through the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Tool. They will need to enter a zip code on the tool to see the specific phone number of the office nearest their address.

Parents must prepare the necessary documents when they visit the local branch, including a government-issued ID with their photo. Federal agencies are conducting businesses under COVID-19 guidelines so visitors could be asked to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing.

Related Article: How To Use the IRS Child Tax Credit Portal